What type of lens would you prefer if you were shooting candid shots of your kids outside in say the backyard or at a park? Would you prefer something like the Canon 15-85 or a zoom like the 70-200 f4L or maybe a 70-300? Zoom lens or more wide angle? These are the types of shots I'm doing, but I'm still learning about how different focal lengths affect the shot. For example, a 50mm shot framed the same way as one at 200mm will look different.

Also, as I've been reviewing lenses, it just seems like most shots I see from the 15-85 are landscapes or buildings and most with the 70-200/70-300 are people. I'm wondering if keeping the kit 18-55 IS II for WA and getting a good zoom for the family is the best.

For me, I shoot between 28mm and 40mm (full frame) for most of my family stuff. In addition, a decent amount of it is more wide open that the 15-85 can provide. If I were in your position (I'm assuming you're on a crop body from the 15-85 reference) I'd think about the canon 17-55/2.8, the tamron 17-50/2.8, the canon 35/2, or the sigma 30/1.4.

But, it really depends on personal preference (and the size of your backyard). For head and shoulders portraits, something in the 85mm and up range gives a very a pleasing look. Look at any of Bob Dein's posts, he probably shoots in that range and does a good job isolating his subject and producing headshots that compress features and favor the subject. At the other end of the spectrum you have a number of folks here (canerino, neighborboy, zalmyb, etc.) that shoot candid photos of their family and very commonly shoot wide angle (28-35mm on full frame) to capture more context and be able to get in close to the subject.

I'd look at whose work I like and think about the lighting situations that you will need for proper exposure.

I will say that for my preferences, I like up-close, wide shots. I like the intimacy and breadth that you get from shooting close and wide. It brings you into the picture rather than being an observer from far away. It's a perspective that speaks to me.

taylorman22 wrote:
What type of lens would you prefer if you were shooting candid shots of your kids outside in say the backyard or at a park? Would you prefer something like the Canon 15-85 or a zoom like the 70-200 f4L or maybe a 70-300? Zoom lens or more wide angle? These are the types of shots I'm doing, but I'm still learning about how different focal lengths affect the shot. For example, a 50mm shot framed the same way as one at 200mm will look different.

Also, as I've been reviewing lenses, it just seems like most shots I see from the 15-85 are landscapes or buildings and most with the 70-200/70-300 are people. I'm wondering if keeping the kit 18-55 IS II for WA and getting a good zoom for the family is the best.